Sputnik

tmra2chair@pop.powweb.com\

Governor Perry has called for a special session to begin on July 1st in
order for the Legislature to address three issues.
The first issue is the consideration of legislation allowing the Texas
Department of Transportation to issue general obligation bonds, which have
already been approved by voters, for highway improvement projects.

The second issue is the consideration of legislation extending the
authority of the Texas Department of Transportation and regional mobility
authorities to use comprehensive development agreements to design,
finance, build and maintain transportation infrastructure.

The third issue will be the passage of the "Sunset Safety-Net" bill needed
to keep the Texas Transportation Department, the Texas Department of
Insurance, the State Affordable Housing Corporation,the Racing Commission
and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel functional beyond September
2010.

In other words he has called a Special Session to begin with a National
Holiday with the main purpose of selling our highway system to the
highest bidder. And we all know who that is don't we?

Sputnik

We have just been informed that the governor actually did sign SB 1967. We
regrett the error in reporting.

Sputnik

Jun 22/09
We attended a Biker Benefit for some close friends at Lost Prairie Cycle
Ranch on Saturday and  the Heart of Texas Chapter Meeting at Jim’s Cycle
Shop in Axtell the next Day. It was good to see a few riders participating
during the meeting. It was at least an improvement over a few months ago
so things are looking up. Jim cranked up the air and moved the meeting
inside due to the heat.

We had a good meeting and laid out what was necessary to get back on track
and become the powerhouse from the past. We left there with a good feeling
that things would continue to get better in that neck of the woods. Went
back to the house to keep my next appointment for this month, the second
of three scheduled. Put that behind us and headed out for ETME Acres for
the ETCG Fathers Day Run.

If we had a group of real Bikers as dedicated as those in the Piney Woods
in each District there would be no stopping this army. These same hard
core riders turn out twice each year to keep the doors open and as they
call it ”do their little part to help”. Their little part consists of
everyone having a great time. Pickin’ n Grinnin’ kickin’ tires and telling
tales on Friday. Followed by a Poker Run Saturday morning and (ride ‘em
like you stole ‘em) field events with no wimps allowed for the afternoon.
They raffle off every thing but the kitchen sink then settle down for some
kick ass music that night. Sunday morning they send you back to the office
with $3-4000 and start getting ready for next time.

Back in the office again after a long, hot, wonderful weekend spent with
the East Texas Chopper Guys at ETME Acres. Waited for the time to wind
down and SB 1967 did not get Vetoed so regardless what happens now it will
become law on September 1st 2009. Da’Lady, Rep Chavez, has requested a
public signing ceremony. We will see if anything comes of that.

Da’Lady also was the one who filed the Amendments to rededicate our rider
training Fund and get our Budget raised for the coming biennium. Once
everything settles down we will owe her and her entire Staff a Party for
all the work they did for riders this session. They put in far more effort
on our behalf than most riders did.

The 17th Birthday Party is coming up July 3-5,  at V-Twin Valley at CR 351
in Merkel, Texas. That’s just outside Abilene. Get your Butt out there and
make this one a big success. A lot of work has gone into making this be
the place to celebrate the Independence of our Nation. Plenty of Events.
Bring your bathing suit. Silver has announced the SWIMMING POOL IS BUILT
and the pump is filling it with water as I write.

Another SPECIAL for this Event: U.S. SENATOR KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON has sent
us an AMERICAN FLAG with a certificate verifying it was flown over the
U,S. Capitol. It will go to the highest bidder during the Saturday
Auction.
I have one more Dr. Appointment to keep and then I will see you all in the
VALLEY, in the pool.

Ride Free – Ride Sober
Sputnik/State Chair

Jun 22/09
WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT SB1967 WAS ALLOWED TO PASS. HOPEFULLY
ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A PUBLIC SIGNING.

WE MADE HISTORY WARRIORS.

MORE LATER,

Sputnik
State Chair

June 03/09
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
512-971-   6777  -  275 Old Lexington Rd.   Elgin, Texas   78621  
www.tmra2.org

The parking lot at Lost Prairie Cycles was packed with bikers from as far
away as Houston, Hewitt, Huntsville, Groesbeck, Eddy, Crockett, Mexia,
Waco, Jewett, Tx. And parts unknown, with The NEWS motorcycle club, The
CMA and a new Mom & Pop riding group called The Los Pirados rounding out
the mix of bikers. Lunch was served shortly after 12 noon, with Fajitas,
Pico de Gallo, Uncle Tom's Jalapeno Beans, Tortillas, Guacamole, Chips,
Salsa, Susan's salad & Smoked Link Sausage! Kevin & Robert Rose came in
early to set up the tables, chairs and help prepare the store
for a massive display of food & drink.


The Texas Owners Group meeting started at 1pm with a prayer from Thomas
Barber of The CMA. All stood for The Pledge of Allegiance. Topics
discussed were the alcohol check point, holding our senators &
congressmen/women accountable to the constitution or they will be gone in
2010, The 2009 Howl-O-Ween Rally on Oct 30th - Nov. 1st , Volunteers for
the rallies are doing a great job, all were recognized and much
appreciated with a big round of applause! Skunk Dots Biker News was also
mentioned, they wrote a great article about The Texas Independence Day
Rally, see the May 2009 edition of Skunk Dots before they are all gone!
Dennis & Skunk also were mentioned and made a whopping $600.00 bid to win
the Texas Flag flown over the Texas Capitol building just for TMRA2

6 New members signed up at the May 3rd meeting, they are Stephanie & Mike
Forbes of Eddy, Tx, Jason Harris of Waco, Tx., Norman & Audra Gilbert of
Hewitt, Tx. & Cynthia Holmes of Jewett, Tx.. Los Pirados is also a 100%
TMRA2 membership organization!


TMRA2 Benefit - East Texas Chopper Guys Rally - June 19th, 20th & 21 at
E.T.M.E. Acres near Nacadoches, Tx. I will be going, this is a fun family
orientated rally, with games for all and live
music. Show your support for TMRA2, Make this benefit!
 Thank you all for showing your support for Freedom & TMRA2,

Tom Maddux
 TMRA2 Senate District 5 Advisor
&
TMRA2 Finance Officer
5544 Hwy 164 East
Groesbeck,Tx.76642
254-729-3104
http://www.LPCycles.com
http://www.TheHOTRally.com


MRF News
HR 1253 Passes United States House of Representatives

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US House passed HR 1253,
sponsored by Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and cosponsored by Bart Stupak
(D-MI), which would require that people signing up for a health plan
receive in writing an explanation of treatment limits or non-covered
conditions, along with other plan restrictions, "in a form that is easily
understandable."   The bill passed with overwhelming support with the
final vote coming in at 422-3.

All group health plans would be covered by the bill, and health plans
would be required to provide the information before customers sign up.

"We are going to stand up and shine a light on these exclusions so
Americans will not be caught off-guard by exclusions buried deep within an
insurance plan," said Burgess, a physician.

HR 1253 at this point does not have a Senate companion bill which is the
next step before this legislation is signed into law.

"This legislative action keeps Congress on record that this issue needs
their attention," said Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government
Relations. "While this bill is a step in the right direction, the MRF
remains committed to securing coverage of any injury that comes from legal
use of an on-road motorcycle."

Elmer H. McKeegan
Chapter Coordinator

“There was no joy in Mudville, MIGHTY CASEY HAD STRUCK OUT.”
That was the feeling in the capitol as first the House and then the Senate
Adjourned SINE DIE on June 1st. I had an appointment with my Renal Dr. for
that day in Houston so I called Legislators off the Floor Sunday and said
my thanks in case I didn’t make it back for the final day. I stayed in
touch with the Task Force Members at the capitol as I made my way through
the routine at the Hospital. After being told by the Dr. that my kidney
function was down to 20% and I needed my heart work up done again on June
16th I headed back to Austin to see the final hours of Sine Die. Compared
to past years it was a waste of time.
There just wasn’t anything to celebrate and they all knew it. Nothing of
any real importance got done this session. There were a few good Bills
passed but the major issues remained out of reach. The problem was not
just Partisanship but House against the Senate. And then it was a
combination of both. The House Democrats slowed things to a crawl in an
attempt to kill the Voter ID Bill. They were successful but many good
Bills died behind it for lack of time. When it was clear Democrats had won
that battle and offered to move on the Republican Senators threatened to
Filibuster each of the other issues in a battle of one up man ship. It was
absolutely disgustingly politics at it’s worst.
Whether you blame the House, the Senate, Democrats or Republicans the
problem was a total lack of leadership. Governor Perry demanded issues
that weren’t popular with Texas Citizens be passed. Republicans did their
best to make it happen but met stiff opposition. Toll Roads and Taxes were
top priorities for Republicans and I’m not sure the Democrats had any
issues the Republicans truly opposed.
There will be a Special Session and it will revolve around Toll Roads,
Taxes and Voter ID. Some things just never change until you have a change
in Leadership. I shall go home today and rest a couple of days. I plan to
make the H O T Chapter Meeting at Lost Prairie Cycles Sunday and then make
plans from there. Those plans will include making each Chapter’s meeting
and try to get things back on an even Keel. Watch for a notice of when I
will be in your area and let’s get ready for what lies ahead.

Ride Free – Ride Sober

Sputnik
State Chair/TMRA 2

Gun Control is a priority for the US Attorney General.
 I don't normal send out any polls but please take this 
poll on cituizen's right to own weapons.
 Click on or cut and paste the following url and two
 clicks cast your vote and give you the standing tally.
 Nearly 2,000,000 votes have been cast and 97% say yes.
Pass it on.
Sputnik


http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm

Sputnik

To register with a credit card please call Terri at 512-971-8777  or 
Sputnik   at  512-971-6777.

Sputnik

State Chair / TMRA 2 

512-971-6777  -  275 Old Lexington Rd.   Elgin, Texas   78621   www.tmra2.org

We met with Senator Carona to ask why SB 1967 wasn’t out of committee yet.
He informed us he had planned to bring it out on the 8th but one Bill took
more time than anticipated and they had to leave some Bills hanging. He
assured us it would come out on the 15th. We have met with almost every
senator concerning the Bill and it would be very helpful if you would
contact your senator and ask for their support when the Bill comes to the
Floor. The more phone calls they get the better our chance for passage..

US House passed HR 1253, sponsored by Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and
cosponsored by Bart  Stupak(D-MI), which would require that people signing
up for a health plan receive in  writing an explanation of treatment
limits or non-covered conditions, along  with other plan restrictions, "in
a form that is  easily understandable." The bill passed with overwhelming
support with the final vote coming in at 422-3.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions in the Senate.

President Barack Obama said nominated the CEO of Mothers Against Drunk
Driving (MADD) Charles Hurley as the next administrator of the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Hurley is the number one
architect for the Crusade to establish Road Blocks by state legislatures.
Looks like rough riding for us if Hurley is approved. Actually nearly
every person appointed by President Obama appears to mean rough roads
ahead for all Americans.

Speaking of Road Block Bills SB 298 has still not received it’s first
reading in the House and been sent to committee yet. We’ll keep our
fingers crossed.

And finally the push is on to replace the dollar as the common trade
currency due to it’s devaluation. The currency of choice appears to be the
little known SDR (Special Drawing Right) under the control of the IMF
((International Monetary Fund). This is a combination of several
currencies which up until recently had only about $31 billion in reserves.
At the recent G-20 meeting it was voted to expand the reserves to $250
billion. President Obama voted Aye.
While this may seem like a slap in the face to many it could be a good
thing for the country. My question is why wasn’t this reported on the
news?

April 2009
TMRA2 Senate District 22 Advisor’s report
by Greg Bodovsky

The Heart of Texas Chapter has not had their meeting for April yet.  I
hope to see a good crowd though, and if the March meeting was any
indication, I’m sure it will be well attended.  It’s always on the 2nd
Sunday at 1pm at Jim’s Cycle Shop in Axtell.

The Lake Granbury Liberty Riders Chapter had a meeting in March, which I
was unable to attend, so I don’t have a report on it.  The meetings are
scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of the month at the VFW in Granbury.  I am
glad to see this Chapter coming back to life, and all area riders are
urged to attend.

I continue to forward reports from the State Office to my email list.  If
you are not receiving anything, please send me an email, and I’ll update
my list.

If anyone would like to help out, anywhere in the District, or has any
questions, let me know.

My email is txhdryder@att.net and my phone is 254.582.9291, so contact me
with any questions or comments that you might have.

Ride Safe & Ride Free (while U steelcan)!
Greg


BBQ with the Bikers
It was a beautiful day for the event. Although not many stayed outside,
those that did seemed to enjoy it. There was enough food for everyone.
Just a couple of us had the vegetarian plate at the end, but all the
invitees got fed. The event was very cordial, I saw smiling faces whenever
the staff came by the desk.
I’m sure Texas ABATE put us all in a positive light; let’s hope it turns
into positive movement for the bills we support.

Need your Letters
We have more bills out there now with action items. Please write you
Senators and Representatives in support of our bills and against the bills
we want stopped.

SB1967
We had a really good hearing on SB1967 Wednesday. Paul and I gave oral
testimony while Terri attended and turned in cards in favor of. Woody also
sent a letter of support from El Paso and Terri made the necessary copies
and placed it into written testimony.

One lady asked for an amendment stating children couldn't ride unless they
could reach the foot pegs. Chairman Carona told her he had given us his
word that if we came up with something we could all agree on, it would go
to the Floor unchanged and he was not going back on his word. He also
thanked us for coming up with a good Bill.
Without question this Bill will come out of committee when they next vote
on Bills.

Sputnik

Bills out there right Now….

Supported

HB 759 – Passed House committee, waiting to go to the floor
Subject: Relating to the creation of a hotline to report suspected
incidents of impaired driving or dangerous driving

HB 1569 – Filed – Hopefully a public hearing soon.
Subject: Relating to equal access to places of public accommodation

SB 374 – Passed Senate now in house committee.
Subject: Relating to the power of a county to enforce compliance with
speed limits by an automated traffic control system (Prevents cities or
counties from putting up automatic speed traps)

SB 736 – in Senate committee.
Subject: Relating to the funds consolidation process and the use of state
revenue dedicated by law for a particular purpose (rededicating all funds
to their specific purpose instead of the general fund)

SB 737 – in Senate committee.
Subject: Relating to conducting a study to improve transparency in the
state's budgeting process and electronic access to information about the
state budget (add budget to website so everyone can see it)

SB 1967 – public hearing on 4/1, still in committee.
Subject: Relating to the safe operation of motorcycles and other vehicles
in this state; providing penalties
Comment: This bill contains several elements failure to yield, cleanup of
helmet law, and rider education program.


Against

HB 169 – Filed – in committee
Subject: Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Public
Safety and certain local law enforcement agencies to establish a
checkpoint on a highway or street to determine whether persons are driving
while intoxicated

SB 298 – Passed Senate now in house.
Caption: Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Public
Safety and certain local law enforcement
agencies to establish a checkpoint on a highway or street to determine
whether persons are driving while
intoxicated

SB 369 – public hearing 3/25 still in committee
Subject: Relating to information contained in an intelligence database
used to investigate and prosecute offenses committed by criminal street
gangs

Bills to keep an eye on

HB 714 - Filed – in committee
Subject: Relating to the penalty for the offense of reckless driving
Covers reckless driving penalties like we wanted for failure for yield

HB 823 – Filed – in committee
Subject: Relating to the authority of a peace officer to take a blood
specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or
other intoxicating substances

SB 506 – Passed in Senate, now in house
Subject: Relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles during
periods of traffic congestion

SB 730 – Passed Senate now in house
Subject: Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain
firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by
the employee's employer

SB 1389 – Passed in Senate now going to House
Subject: Relating to the penalty for the offense of reckless driving
Covers reckless driving penalties like we wanted for failure for yield

Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month (From Suds and Butterfly)
It's time to start on 2009 proclamations for Motorcycle Safety & Awareness
month. Texas bikers have done outstanding work through the years. Go to
the link below to add a city to the board...

http://ridesafeintexas.homestead.com/Proclamations2009.html

Since 2003 this campaign has been the combined knowledge & participation
of many clubs, organizations & Independents across Texas. Some may not
understand why we need to do this again each year...
It gives non-riding folks the chance to see riders in person and put a
face to that little taillight they see on the highway. This helps a lot
when we ask them to drive more aware and share the road.
Each year rider participation increases and each year the number of
newspaper articles increases... which means the number of drivers
receiving our message also increases.

For those new to the proclamations campaign...
Our goal is to set up dates to attend city council meetings where the
riders will be presented with a proclamation for Motorcycle Safety &
Awareness. The proclamation is read during the meeting. Some cities
broadcast their meetings on pbs for folks in the community to watch. The
local newspaper will usually run an article showing the Mayor's support
for Motorcycle Safety & Awareness month if we make sure to contact them
ahead of time with this request. This media coverage is our main goal
because this is what reaches the drivers in each community.
If you're unable to add a city to the board then please check the board
for cities near you and attend to support. That's a big part of what we
need is more support for these meetings.
If you're unable to attend a meeting then maybe you have time to make the
call to your local newspaper or radio station to see about getting some
messages out there on motorcycle awareness. May is nationally recognized
as Motorcycle Safety & Awareness month so during the next couple months
most newspapers will be happy to take your call. If everyone does a little
then no one has to do more than they can handle.
It's all about looking out for the safety of the brothers & sisters we
love... if we can spend all day and our last dollar for a down brother or
sister's benefit, then we oughta be able to make at least one meeting to
help prevent more riders down.
On the next newsletter I'll be able to introduce the TCOC&I team of Safety
& Awareness Coordinators for each region. They are an outstanding team who
stand ready to assist with proclamations across Texas this year.
Respect & Ride Safe ~Bttrfly
State Safety & Awareness Liaison, TCOC&I
Safety & Awareness Coordinator, TCOC&I-DFW
http://ridesafeintexas.homestead.com

Elmer H. McKeegan
Chapter Coordinator

District 31
As scheduled, the Permian Basin Chapter meeting was held on the third
Thursday at Warfield Truck Stop.  Attendance has been down for several
months now, with only 1-3 members showing up.  This month, Jan and Bob
Walker were the only ones to join me.  We met informally for about half an
hour, discussing the past and the future of the association.  Their
attendance at future meetings for the summer will be sporadic due to being
out of town travelling.

I called the offices of my representative and senator but was not able to
speak to either.  I spoke with their aides, and expressed concern over the
issues we are dealing with.  I got favorable comments from both offices,
but we will have to see what happens.
Until next month, ride free and keep safe.
Dean Maltsberger
District 31 Advisor